A practical day trip from Seattle: Bainbridge Island by ferry
Take the downtown ferry from the Seattle waterfront for a roughly 35-minute walk-on ride to Bainbridge Island and explore Winslow village and the Bloedel Reserve before returning the same day. Four Seasons Hotel Seattle (99 Union St) places you steps from the ferry terminal and offers a complimentary house car for nearby short trips.
In this guide
Start at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle
Four Seasons Hotel Seattle is at 99 Union Street, across from the Seattle Art Museum and a short walk to the downtown ferry terminal that serves Bainbridge Island. If you need assistance, BookResorts agents are available 24/7 at +1 (888) 605-1350.
Guests can leave luggage with the hotel porter and use the complimentary house car for short downtown transfers within one mile. If you plan to swim before or after your trip, the rooftop INFINITY pool + bar is for hotel guests only and operates seasonally.
- Address: 99 Union St, Seattle, WA 98101
- Complimentary house car available for nearby downtown trips
- Porter service and luggage storage available
| Hotel rooms to consider | Suitable for |
|---|---|
| Deluxe Room | Solo or couple city stay; comfortable base for day trips |
| Deluxe Bay View Room, Two Beds | Families who want water views and extra sleeping space |
| Deluxe Elliott Bay Suite | Guests who want separate living area before/after a day excursion |
Getting to the ferry terminal
The downtown ferry terminal that serves Bainbridge Island is a short walk from the hotel along the waterfront; the hotel’s location near Pike Place Market and the Seattle Art Museum puts the terminal within easy reach on foot. The house car can also take you if you prefer not to walk.
Ferries accept walk-on passengers; you do not need a car to visit Bainbridge Island. Check ferry operator pages the morning of travel for the most current sailing times and any service notices.
- Walking is the most direct option from the hotel to the terminal
- Complimentary house car can be requested for short transfers
- Bring layers — Puget Sound breezes can be cool even in summer
| What to bring | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Light jacket or windbreaker | Waterfront rides are often breezy |
| Comfortable walking shoes | Winslow and the Bloedel Reserve involve walking paths |
| Phone and small bag | Shops and galleries are within easy walking distance |
On the ferry: practical notes
Walk-on ferry sailings to Bainbridge Island typically take about 35 minutes from downtown Seattle. Ferries offer outdoor seating and views of Elliott Bay and the Seattle skyline; seating availability can vary by sailing.
Ferries run frequently but schedules can change, especially on holidays or in inclement weather. Consult the ferry operator’s website for current sailings and any advisories before you leave the hotel.
- Typical sailing time: about 35 minutes
- Bring a camera for waterfront and skyline views
- Check operator schedule the day of travel for timing and service updates
| Onboard amenities | Expectations |
|---|---|
| Outdoor viewing areas | Good for photos and fresh air |
| Indoor seating | Available on most sailings |
| Accessible boarding | Ferries generally support walk-on access; check details for mobility needs |
Morning in Winslow village
Winslow is the walkable downtown that meets the ferry terminal: galleries, boutiques, and coffee shops line its main streets. It’s an easy place to stroll after arrival, with options for a relaxed breakfast or a quick café stop.
Allow at least two hours to browse the shops, visit a gallery, or walk the waterfront path before heading to the Bloedel Reserve or other island sights.
- Cafés and bakeries for breakfast and coffee
- Small shops and galleries clustered near the ferry terminal
- Waterfront promenade with benches and viewpoints
| Suggested time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 45–90 minutes | Coffee and shopping in Winslow |
| 1–3 hours | Visit a small gallery or local market |
| Flexible | Combine with a lunchtime meal or continue to Bloedel Reserve |
Bloedel Reserve and island green spaces
The Bloedel Reserve is one of Bainbridge Island’s best-known destinations and is reachable by a short drive or taxi from Winslow; it offers curated gardens and walking paths. Plan your visit by checking Bloedel’s opening hours and any ticketing requirements.
If you prefer a shorter outdoor option, the Winslow waterfront and nearby parks offer pleasant shoreline walking without traveling far from the ferry terminal.
- Bloedel Reserve: formal gardens and forested walks (check hours/tickets)
- Winslow waterfront: easy walking and benches for view stops
- Taxis or local shuttles can bridge the short distance from Winslow to garden sites
| Site | Why go |
|---|---|
| Bloedel Reserve | Extensive, designed gardens and quiet trails |
| Winslow waterfront | Short shoreline walk right off the ferry |
| Island parks | Casual green spaces for picnics or short hikes |
Where to eat on Bainbridge and back at Goldfinch Tavern
Winslow has several small restaurants, cafés and bakeries convenient for lunch. If you prefer to return to the hotel for dinner, Goldfinch Tavern at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle serves Pacific Northwest cuisine for breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch and dinner — reservations are recommended for brunch and dinner.
If you return to the hotel in time for a swim, INFINITY pool + bar operates seasonally for poolside snacks and cocktails during its scheduled service window; the pool and pool bar are exclusive to hotel guests.
- Winslow: cafés and casual lunch options near the ferry terminal
- Goldfinch Tavern: breakfast through dinner with reservations recommended
- INFINITY pool + bar: poolside food and drinks during seasonal hours (hotel guests only)
| Venue | Notes |
|---|---|
| Winslow cafés | Casual lunch or coffee near the terminal |
| Goldfinch Tavern | Pacific Northwest menu; reservations suggested |
| INFINITY pool + bar | Poolside bites and cocktails (seasonal; guests only) |
Practical tips for a same-day roundtrip
Give yourself time margins: arrive at the ferry terminal a little early, check return sailing times, and account for walking or short local transfers on Bainbridge. If you are returning in the evening, check the hotel’s check-in/check-out times if your schedule intersects with arrival or departure days.
If you plan to use hotel amenities before or after the trip, the spa and Fitness Centre have published hours; spa facilities and some treatments have age restrictions. If you need parking or have pets, confirm policies directly with the hotel in advance.
- Check ferry operator schedule the morning of travel
- Pool access and INFINITY pool + bar are for overnight guests only
- Spa facility access requires guests to be ages 16 or over; treatments may have different minimum ages
| Hotel contact | Use |
|---|---|
| BookResorts agents (24/7): +1 (888) 605-1350 | Concierge and booking assistance |
| Hotel address | 99 Union St, Seattle, WA 98101 |
| Check-in / Check-out | Check-in from 3:00 PM; check-out by 12:00 PM |
